Upside down teaching

This week we wrapped up our series on Relationship Tag and I lead a discussion God's radical call to forgiveness... not "I'm sorry".
What wild and crazy LIFE group we had on Sunday night as we went deeper into this topic. Real struggles shared and real desire to try and live out forgiveness at this Kingdom level.

Look at what Jesus says on this matter - Matthew 5:23-24
"So if you are presenting your sacrifice at the alter in the temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice at the alter. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

God cares more about relationships than our checkbook/ offering... WOW!
STOP... don't play religious games... address the issues of a strained relationship.
GO.... don't expect someone else to do this... you are called to action.
FORGIVE... release the other from the anger, pain, hardship.... even if they don't receive it... you do your part.
GIVE... then come back and give generously from a free heart... giving will be even more natural and important.

This idea is very personal and is a form or sacrificial worship in itself. You give up your rights to be be right and you give forgiveness, praying and working toward reconciliation. There are no guarantees...but Jesus says Go.

Churches may have some "small" giving weeks if we really live this out.
But in the long run, we may have freer people, and more generous, praise giving people.

Radical, risky, of a whole other mindset. A Kingdom mindset that comes from God, not this world.
What do you think?